I had so much fun hosting a special story time at my hometown library in Ohio last week. We created imagination telescopes, just like Leo’s in The Denim Jungle.

And you can, too—it’s so easy!

If you’re looking for a fun (practically free) craft for your kids, school, or library, this one is great for all ages.

Better yet, read the book together, make the telescopes, and go on a hunt to see what imaginative discoveries you can find out in the Denim Jungle. You could even draw a picture or write a story about your findings and add it to the blank pages in the back of your book. Continue reading →

The holidays are an emotional time, full of joy, thankfulness, wonder … and, yes, often the resurgence of grief.

It’s okay to feel sorrow amid all the merriment. As a matter of fact, you can take the fuel of that emotion and use it to propel you toward something constructive for you and your kids: a positive way to remember the person that you’re missing.

Included below are a few of my family’s favorite traditions in honor of Sue and Shirley. You certainly don’t have to do all of them, but maybe one will resonate and become a treasured annual remembrance for you and family. Continue reading →